Margrave’s Bastard Son was The Emperor - Chapter 423

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 423
Fire. Saving the Future
A new sun had risen.
It was the day the mages—the solid foundation and pride of the great empire of Bariel—returned home victorious from war.
Ba-riel!
The beginning of glory cradled by the divine—
The heart of Gaia, tinted gold when rain falls.
Lift your gaze high, ever higher. Then you shall see—
That light in the distant heights, the beacon of Bariel—
Each time the hymn seemed to end, someone would cry out “Ba-riel!” again, and without fail, another would cheerfully continue with the next verse. Thanks to this, the Bariel anthem had been flowing endlessly for hours.
“Louder, louder! So the mages far away can hear us!”
“I heard your son was conscripted into the Imperial Defense Ministry? Congratulations. You’ve raised a hero.”
“Not at all, madam. It’s all thanks to the empire’s blessing. I received a letter recently—he volunteered to help clean up after the Cliffford incident. His return home will be delayed, but since the mages have paved the way, it shouldn’t be difficult.”
“How admirable! Hey! Another round of beer here!”
“This one’s on the house. On a fine day like this, we should celebrate properly! Come on! Bring those empty glasses!”
“What’s gotten into that cheapskate?”
“You didn’t know? The owner’s son was drafted. Ever since the war started, he’s been so on edge. But now that the Ministry of Magic has handled it cleanly, how relieved must he be? No matter how proudly you wear the Bariel imperial insignia, does it stop a spear or deflect a blade? Not sending him to the battlefield is the best outcome.”
“Ah, I see. Innkeeper! I won’t be modest! Fill it to the brim, nice and crisp!”
“The foam is good for you, my friend.”
“Wait! Look! The flags are waving at the barrier!”
“They’ve arrived! Oh! Let’s hurry and stand up!”
Pitter-patter!
It was a commotion reminiscent of the Prince’s coronation ceremony. The only difference was that back then, the entire world had sparkled thanks to the mages’ power.
But now it was filled solely with the cheers and shouts of the citizens. They released white balloons and scattered white flower petals in all directions, celebrating the mages’ safe return and the victory of war.
Those quick on their feet had already crowded toward the central avenue. In the distance, the Bariel imperial flag was visible. Though stained with blood, it looked all the more perfect for it.
“Minister Ian! Mages!”
“Wahhh! You’re here! The Ministry of Magic has finally returned!”
“Congratulations! Thank you! You’ve all worked so hard!”
“Look here! Over here!”
“Imperial Defense Ministry! And Imperial Guards! We won’t forget! You’ve magnificently preserved Bariel’s history!”
As the crowd surged forward, the Palace Guards held their ground, maintaining order.
Hands reached out in bursts. White flowers were thrown along with those hands. White balloons continued to bloom in the sky, and laughter mixed with the sounds of orchestras echoed from all directions.
Ian smiled, showing his face through the open window, while Berik leaned halfway out, repeatedly high-fiving the citizens.
“Oh! What’s this, what’s this. I’ve become incredibly popular!”
“Berik, it’s not just you—it’s the welcome poured out for all of us. Haha! Thank you. My goodness.”
The mages kept their eyes forward to maintain dignity, but they couldn’t completely ignore the enthusiastic cheers pouring down upon them.
With their cheeks rising slightly, they were completely disarmed, gathering the citizens’ gifts into their hands as they came within reach.
“Minister Ian! The palace is coming into view!”
“Yes. I see it.”
The mages gazed at the approaching palace, their hearts trembling with anticipation. How long had it been since their return? When they worked at the palace, eating and sleeping there, it had felt like such a place to escape from. But seeing it from this distance, it felt no different from home.
Some of the mages’ eyes glistened with tears as they became lost in emotion, while others continued to receive the greetings of the citizens without pause.
“Ian! I sincerely congratulate you on your safe return!”
“Berik! You’re not hurt anywhere, are you? Welcome back!”
“Open the door! I’m starving!”
“Haha! You haven’t changed a bit!”
The Imperial Guards peered over the barrier and laughed.
Just as Berik’s arrival into the center seemed remarkable, I too felt an odd emotion rising within me. The palace I had experienced during Berosion’s lifetime and the palace I now experienced—they were so vastly different that it was nearly impossible to believe they existed on the same timeline.
In merely a hundred years, such transformation had occurred; how much more radiant and magnificent must the name Bariel be across hundreds and thousands of years.
Creak!
Clatter clatter!
The coachman skillfully turned the carriage and crossed through the palace grounds. In the distance, the far end of the First Palace’s main building came into view. And those who had come forward themselves—their number made it clear that all the officials currently in the palace had gathered.
I naturally searched first for the silver-haired figure through the window.
“….”
But for some reason, my eyes could not easily find her. She had not yet appeared. As soon as the carriage stopped, I descended and greeted the Prime Minister.
“Count Ian! My goodness! Look how haggard you’ve become.”
“Minister of Magic Ian Hielo has safely returned to the nation and entered the capital. I apologize for causing everyone such concern.”
“No, how could I accept an apology from a war hero? That would only embarrass the elders of the palace, so please refrain. We are simply grateful that you have returned safely.”
“Iaaaan!”
Then, a familiar voice from the right. The mages and Berik reflexively turned their heads.
It was Romandro, his face wet with tears and mucus. Having guarded the Magic Ministry alone, it seemed the burden had taken its toll—he appeared to have gained weight while his face looked gaunt.
When I smiled gently, Romandro wiped his nose with his sleeve and came running over unsteadily. Trivial and yet trivial, but he was the one who had steadfastly maintained the heart of the palace.
“Romandro.”
“Goodness, why are you only coming now! Are you hurt anywhere? The report said you overexerted yourself, and you’ve lost even more weight. Berik! Berik! What about this mutt?!”
“Ugh, my ears hurt. What? Romandro, you’ve gained weight? Your belly sticks out more than Viviana’s.”
“Judging by how you’re talking, you’re perfectly fine! You rascal! I missed you so much! Did you listen well out there? No injuries?”
“I listened well. Ask Ian about it.”
There was no time for that. The mages who descended from the carriage next spotted Romandro and came bounding over cheerfully.
“Wow! Romandro!”
“Everyone! Sob. I missed you all so much. Why are you only coming now!”
“We’re sorry. We’re quite late, aren’t we?”
“Attendance records—submit them all by tomorrow. Include the reports as well.”
“Ah. The emotional impact completely falls apart when you do this right after reuniting.”
“No, it’s fine. This time, compile the reports among yourselves and submit them. If I keep cleaning up after you lot, I’ll die before I get to see my baby.”
“Oh no! That can’t happen!”
Despite his reluctant tone, Romandro linked arms with the mages and bounced around continuously. Embracing those he was glad to see, exchanging greetings, confirming they were all unharmed.
Soon he came running to me and embraced me without hesitation, holding me tightly. I awkwardly raised both arms in surprise, but Romandro paid no mind and squeezed even harder.
“Ian. I’m truly relieved that you’ve returned safely. Truly. I missed you.”
“Yes. You’ve worked hard. Thanks to you, I was able to worry less about the palace even while on the battlefield.”
“Huh? Romandro, are you… crying?”
“I’m not crying, you fool!”
“Hahaha! You’re crying? So am I. Come here and hug me too.”
“Oh, you rascal. Come here!”
When Berik playfully draped his arms across their shoulders, Romandro embraced both of them at once, tears streaming down his face.
A familiar fragrance brushed past the tip of my nose—the nostalgic scent of that small, modest manor where Philia’s betrothal ceremony had been held. I whispered softly while still holding Romandro.
“…And Mother and my stepfather?”
“We prepared to leave the manor early in the evening. But after you suddenly fell ill like that, and since I couldn’t visit the manor often either… I’ve been staying a bit longer for Viviana’s sake. She was so eager to see her son’s face before leaving.”
“I see.”
Had I not collapsed from the unexpected backlash of the contract magic, things wouldn’t have come to this. I smiled bitterly and gently pulled away from Romandro.
“I must pay my respects to His Highness. Let us proceed.”
At my words, the officials and mages who had been laughing and chattering lined up in formation to reorganize themselves. The Prime Minister checked his pocket watch, then promptly led us deeper into the main palace building as if he had been waiting.
“Your Highness. Minister Ian Hielo of the Magic Ministry has returned to the country.”
“Let him in.”
Creak.
As the brief permission fell, servants opened the doors to welcome us.
Jin, reclining against the sofa in the reception room. And Xiaoxi standing guard behind him. As the doors slowly opened, their gazes met first through the widening gap.
‘Ah.’
I was taken aback. I had known the Prince was young, but I hadn’t truly grasped it until now.
Seeing Jin’s grown form, I could suddenly feel how small the boy of the past had been. Everything about him had grown tremendously—his height and all else.
His eyes had matured considerably, his back and shoulders were straight, his hair had grown slightly longer. And above all, there was a dignity that had drawn one step closer to the title of Emperor.
I bowed deeply and entered the reception room, offering my respects according to protocol.
“Your Highness. I am Minister Ian Hielo of the Magic Ministry. I have brought back Bariel’s future from the war between Cliffford and Burgos. I humbly pray that Your Highness finds satisfaction in this, and that you will forgive my dereliction of duty during my prolonged absence.”
“Count Ian.”
Jin’s fingers fidgeted inside his sleeves. He wanted to examine me immediately to see if I was hurt anywhere, but there were many eyes present—other mages and officials alike. Jin slowly gestured toward an empty sofa.
“Be seated.”
“Thank you.”
“…There is much I wish to share.”
“Yes, Your Highness. I too have much I wish to convey to you.”
Jin felt waves churning within him. Like waves crashing against rocks, joy and exhilaration made something deep inside him restless and loud.
Did you receive my letters? You surely heard that I purged Minister Volb? What were your impressions of meeting Maxim Tweller in person and working with him? He seemed trustworthy—did you feel the same, Count Ian? What happened during the war? You don’t appear injured, but are you in pain anywhere?
All manner of questions swirled on the tip of my tongue, but Jin pressed them down calmly and offered a faint smile.
“Is it certain that you have secured Bariel’s future?”
“Yes, Your Highness. Would I deceive you about such a matter? There is one who witnessed this directly at my side, and I wish to arrange lodging for him in the Magic Ministry.”
Setting aside all manner of personal questions, what came first was a matter of state importance. I smiled knowingly and bowed my head, finding it admirable.
“…I am curious. What future has come to me through your hands?”
Though maintaining an expressionless face as much as possible, Xiaoxi immediately sensed that the boy was excited. Thus, he glanced at his watch as if checking the time, reminding the others of their schedule.
“Will there be sufficient time for the conference this afternoon?”
“Ah, yes, yes. Of course, Xiao.”
“This is the Magic Ministry’s direct report on the war results. As you say, I hope everything proceeds with certainty.”
“Then… I shall take my leave for now.”
“I as well. *Ahem*.”
Those who grasped Xiaoxi’s intent quietly slipped away one by one. It was a courtesy to allow Jin to receive me more comfortably.
When Xiaoxi stepped forward before the officials and personally coordinated the schedule, Berik’s jaw dropped.
“Did I just hear ‘Count Xiaoxi’? Is that real?”
“Berik. Still the same.”
“Xiao! You—”
“Berik.”
I lifted my teacup and called out to him.
“Address him as Count Xiaoxi. He holds the same rank as I do.”
“Really? You’re really calling him Count? Xiao, tell me!”
Shh. As I frowned and signaled restraint, Xiaoxi brushed off Berik’s shoulders with a playful glint in his eye—the look of someone about to tease an easy mark.
“Call me Count, Berik.”
“I, I, you’re insane—”
Berik stumbled backward with his mouth agape, while Xiaoxi grasped the door handle, keeping only Romand and Berik inside.
“Since the sofa is insufficient, the other mages should use the adjacent reception room. Please show them the way.”
“Yes. This way, please.”
Creak.
His skill at naturally organizing the surroundings was impeccable.
Berik stared awkwardly at Xiaoxi while blinking rapidly, and Romand approached Jin’s side with a constant sniffling sound.
When the door closed completely, the Boy unconsciously extended his hand toward me—that hand that had been fidgeting restlessly inside his sleeve.
“Count Ian.”
And the Boy’s voice, stripped of all its dignity. I smiled softly and grasped Jin’s handshake with both hands.
“Yes, Your Highness. I have arrived.”

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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